by Ariel Stephens

Created on: August 28, 2009

People love to buy baby things. (Ok, women do.) But it's easy to get carried away and lost between the 'wants' and the 'needs' So before you go spending hundreds on cute dresses and little jeans here's my Top Ten list of baby products that are practical and enduring.

1) CRIB I know, "Duh." Baby needs somewhere to sleep! There are several options in a variety of colors and types but the best splurge is a Convertible Crib. Convertible Cribs takes baby through infant to young adult, converting from crib to toddler bed to full bed. They lean more towards pricey side, but consider it an investment since they maybe using it for nearly 18 years or more. Plus, it has sentimental value! Make sure it follows the current crib safety guidelines and the mattress is firm and fits in snugly.

2) DRESSER/CHEST Short or tall, both are good. We picked out a tall chest for our boy. Shorter, longer dressers can be used as changing tables and if you have a girl, add a mirror when she gets older! Both add ample amounts of space for clothes, socks, undies and anything else.

3) CHANGING TABLE My friend talked me into the changing table. My son is 8 months old and we still use it everyday. I stock diapers, wipes, creams, books, blankets, bibs, spit-up clothes, toys, little travel sized stuff you name it. The shelves are low enough for my son, when he's a little older, to grab whatever he wants. Don't pass on owning one because of cost. I paid a little over $80.00 for mine.

4) PACK 'N PLAY I love the Pack 'N Play because of the various uses. It can be substituted for a bassinet during those few weeks when your brand new infant sleeps in your room (if you choose.) Perfect as a bed for get-a-way's and when baby becomes mobile, just plop them in there if you can't watch them for a few moments. Make sure to read the weight restrictions before you use it.

5) SWING Bouncy seat or swing? Or both! I opted for the bouncy seat first then went after the swing. A swing is more soothing, with music and hanging toys just like a bouncy seat. And if baby hates rocking back and forth, just turn the swing setting off. It feels like a two one!

6) CAR SEAT/TRAVEL SET This is awesome. A travels set consists of a car seat, car seat base and a stroller. The most unique feature about the travel system is convenience of the car seat snapping right onto the stroller, making pushing baby anywhere super smooth. Most strollers have a cargo area underneath, a tray and sippy cup holder for when baby can sit in the

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